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CQC2T physicist Dr Rose Ahlefeldt named ACT Scientist of the Year

Congratulation to CQC2T researcher Dr Rose Ahlefeldt from the Australian National University (ANU) who was named ACT Scientist of the Year.

Dr Ahlefeldt's research is trying to find the right materials to build the quantum memories needed for quantum computers. These computers could solve some of the world's "impossible" problems.

"I am trying to understand how the atoms in the crystals interact with the light, so I can choose the right materials to make better quantum memories." says Dr Ahlefeldt.

"One day we're going to build quantum computers that can solve problems that are impossible for our current computers. Researchers have already identified many uses for these computers, including enhancing artificial intelligence establishing secure communications and eventually building a quantum internet."

Hundreds of school students get exclusive insights into the world of quantum

200 primary and secondary school students got a rare peek into what life as a scientist could be like, as Professor Michelle Simmons opened the doors of the Centre for Quantum Computation and Communication Technology (CQC2T) ahead of National Science Week.

When Scientia Professor Michelle Simmons became Australian of the Year 2018, her acceptance speech touched on themes that resonated with many school students and teachers: her encouragement of all young people to pursue what they love, to set their sights high, to tackle the hardest challenges in life and to be the creators – not just the users – of technology. Following the ceremony – and numerous subsequent speech invites from schools across Australia – Professor Simmons and her team decided to open the doors of the Centre for Quantum Computation and Communication Technology for one full day, to offer students the opportunity to see the team’s ground-breaking research in action – a first in the centre’s history.

Professor Simmons said the goal of the day was to open the students’ minds to the possibilities that a career in STEM offers. “When I was younger, I got to see a fabrication plant in the US, and observed how they make semi-conductor chips. It completely opened my mind to the world of possibility that was out there. I remember thinking that all children should see this. “So here we are in Australia, we've got this great facility of building chips in-house, so I'm hoping we opened the students’ eyes to what's out there, to all the kind of jobs they can have, and just get them excited by science.”